Webpage Highlights PT's Role in Reducing Avoidable Readmissions

APTA now offers a comprehensive resource to help physical therapists (PTs) understand and fulfill their role in reducing avoidable hospital readmission—a high priority of health care reform.

The Affordable Care Act's Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, which begins in 2013, is aimed at adjusting hospital payments for those institutions that have higher-than-expected readmissions. Hospital readmission quality metrics are being introduced into other settings, such as inpatient rehabilitation facilities in 2014, and are expected to be integrated into additional settings in the near future.

PTs serve an important role in patient safety and patient care transitions. They should advocate and communicate their expertise and critical-decision making in providing recommendations for the most appropriate level of care after acute care discharge within the health care team prior to and during care transitions to help reduce hospital readmissions.

Comments

I am currently on a team that meets once a week to review and discuss patients and discharge date and destination. In additon, to our team meeting we often schedule family meetings to discuss progress, limitations, and best discharge destination recommendations. This article is correct in stating that "PTs can have a significant role" in avoiding hospital readmissions.